Month: September, 2013

Dear PG&E,
You see I’m from IL and the only thing I knew about your electric company was from the movie Erin Brockovich. So I had a sneaking suspicion it would be challenging to get temporary power and a drawing for where final power would go. But I realized using my mom charm and calling you a million times really helped. I really like your people in the field! They get their job done pretty quickly after the paperwork and my money gets lost gets to the right people. We will see how much I like you after I get my bill for the “engineered” line you provide on paper that took five months to draw. I will be asking for a reduced rate for the delay and the drawing I personally drew and gave to you to copy. So don’t be surprised, just smile and reduce it.

I get so geeked out by each step of this housebuilding process and I have the videos of dirt being pushed around and holes being drilled to prove it! If you come over for a visit, you’ll likely see a video or two.

Today, I was very enthusiastic for the 10 foot holes being drilled all over the house site. 76 holes to be precise. I had a moment where my stomach turned over thinking about the enormity of this project in Northern Cali. that this Midwestern Momma with 5 kids took on. Did your stomach just turn too?

You would have thought a baby was being born today with my full-on photo and video taking mode. I got to witness the last four holes being drilled!! I even posted a photo of the last little baby hole! See…I’m a total geek. I was excited and relieved! We never hit boulders or rocks during the two days of drilling which is a huge blessing!

Now, we wait for the structural engineer to come out tomorrow to inspect the holes with the custom made steel cages in them (we thought we had to go down 8′ but actually had to extend them to 10′ on site). The Geotech also comes out to inspect the depth of the soil. Oh wait, the county comes out to inspect the holes and cages too. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Too many cooks in the kitchen!! It’s a complicated matter to build in this area, I tell ya!

But today was another victory! 76 holes in the ground! All glory goes to God for such a wonderful blessed day! Next step, concrete!

I’m a little overwhelmed this week; as the details of finishing the driveway and concrete collided today. We were to be ready for concrete layout today and base rock has to be finished tomorrow. This journey is a tango of small steps, and syncopated rhythmic footwork! We got a bit out of sync this week and hope we are back on Monday. *Deep Breath*

I did successfully learn another language this week called “Drainage.” U21’s and V64’s will make a girl’s head spin, I tell ya! But I conquered it *today* and ordered the correct materials from the supplier! *Deep Breath*

I’m also doing the tango with PG&E and where they will make me put their trench. It is encroaching on the septic and the water trench. Not good at all! So we are critically thinking of moving it to the other side of the driveway. I gave a sketch for the estimator to look at and praying we have a solution tomorrow. *Deep Breath* *Deep Breath*

God is in control of all these details and I will rest in His mercy and grace. It’s also our 15 year wedding Anniversary today!